Cougars not a problem for the Brahmas

The Pierce College women’s volleyball team defeated Cuesta College on Friday, Nov. 7, mirroring its previous game against Cuesta on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The Brahmas won in three consecutive sets (25-17, 25-21, 25-18).

Pierce started off strong in the first set, taking an eight point lead, but Cuesta came after the Brahmas and tried to obtain control.

“I think we were still controlling. In this game it may have dropped a little bit but it picked up really fast,” Pierce outside hitter Jessica Martinez said.

In the previous match at Cuesta, the Brahmas had control during the entire match and beat the Cougars in the third set.

Pierce was expecting another win against Cuesta, but a more challenging opponent.

“I knew our team was capable of beating them at three,” Martinez said. “We knew they were going to come back more aggressive because we beat them in three last time. We just kept our composure and played ball to ball.”

Head Coach Nabil Mardini referred to this match as a “spoil game”.

Cuesta being disqualified for playoffs meant they had nothing to lose in this match, Mardini said. The Cougars were not going to let Pierce win so easily.

“We knew what was coming towards us because we played them before,” Pierce outside hitter Emiliya Phidayeva said.

“We prepared really well. We knew they might be a little better than last time, but it wasn’t going to be a big difference.”

The second set started with a serve by Pierce libero Darrin Rice which resulted in an ace, scoring the first point. Martinez got a kill for Pierce scoring the 25th point and winning the set.

“We were trying to stay positive about the stakes and not be down on ourselves,” Cuesta defense specialist Meghan Mendes said.

“We have a strong offense but I think other teams are a little bit stronger in defense so it’s kind of tough to break through. Still, I think we stay ahead and try our best.”

The Brahmas won the match, but like the previous game against Cuesta, defense was still an issue to improve on.

“Ten aces against us. That’s alarming.That’s eight too many,” Mardini discussed with his team after the match. “The key is how can I get to that point? How can I arrive? How can I anticipate where that ball is going?”

The next game for Pierce away against Hancock on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.